About BEAM
The mission of BEAM is to create pathways for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. Led by staff with these same technical backgrounds, BEAM believes that pathways to STEM careers are created through community, individual support, and access to advanced work that typically lies outside most school curricula. We work to directly support students and to transition them to other supportive enrichment programs that enable their future success.
BEAM's model provides continuous support from middle school through college graduation, including intense academic summer programs for middle school students (after 6th and 7th grade), weekend classes and mentoring, and STEM-focused support through college. Our program includes not just access to learning advanced math but also support finding and applying to other opportunities, including support with college admissions and financial aid. In addition to our academic content, bringing students into community is a key part of our mission and all of our work is designed to support that goal.
BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 420 students at six summer program sites and 600 students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches over 500 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work.
With our recent strategic plan, our team has committed to transforming the organization from a successful startup to a more mature and scalable organization that can drive change across the country.
ACADEMIC DIRECTOR, BEAM DISCOVERY
Join the BEAM team this summer and make a difference! We are seeking passionate leaders to join our Discovery summer programs in New York City as Academic Directors. This is more than a summer role - it's an opportunity to lead, mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians!
Why Join BEAM?
At BEAM, we foster a vibrant community of educators and students where students are actively engaged in problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical exploration. We empower students by making them the leaders of their own learning, while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Description of Position
As an Academic Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping the learning experience for middle school students in our Discovery program. Working closely with the Site Director, Director of Student Life, and Guidance Counselor, you will manage a dedicated seasonal staff of 23-29 counselors and 8-9 faculty members. Your leadership will not only shape the classroom experience but also help cultivate a strong community of students and staff, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-Program Preparation
In the months leading up to the camp, the Academic Director will engage in comprehensive preparation to ensure a successful summer program. This preparation will set the foundation for a smooth and impactful camp experience for both students and staff.
Self-Preparation and Planning
- Complete SD Management Training and Faculty Coach training with BEAM staff
- Review Site Leadership Handbook (3-5 hrs of work, self-paced)
- Support final selection of your faculty team
- Support Student Course Assignments
- Participate in synchronous virtual faculty training and virtual course planning retreat
Pre-Camp Week Training and Set up
During the week before students arrive, you will collaborate with the leadership team to finalize preparations for the summer program, set team expectations, and ensure that staff is ready and the camp is set for a successful start.
Attend Leadership Team RetreatAlign on leadership roles and responsibilitiesPlan team-building activities or social eventsSet up facilities and ensure all logistical needs are met for staff arrivalAll-Staff Pre-Camp Training and Set-UpLead faculty-specific training (academic modules)Review pre-camp training materials and assign training modulesConfirm staff completion of required HR onboarding (I-9, online training, etc.) and complete employer portion of I-9During Camp (24 Days)
The majority of the summer will be spent providing academic leadership, overseeing faculty performance, and ensuring a positive and effective learning environment. The Academic Director will also take on leadership tasks that support both faculty and staff while maintaining a smooth campus operation.
Academic Leadership
Observe faculty teaching and provide coaching feedback (3 observation cycles per faculty member)Facilitate collaboration space for faculty twice a weekOffer guidance on OMT best practicesProvide and record summative feedback for facultySite Leadership
Liaise between faculty and campus staff to meet classroom needsStaff Leadership
Facilitate daily / weekly check-ins with site leadership and facultyCommunicate updates and address ongoing faculty concernsCollaborate on decisions during conflicts and communicate outcomes to staff and studentsProvide emergency coverage in case of faculty absencesCommunity Leadership
Oversee campus safety and student passageSupport faculty in implementing accommodations for student engagementHandle escalated student behavior situationsSet the tone for academic and social leadership by treating students with respectOther Logistical Tasks
Manage petty cash and MetroCardsPrepare and run field tripsSupervise Open Math TimeOrganize staff dinners and schedule math circlesPost Camp Wrap-Up
Support Site Leadership completing the SD clean-up checklistComplete faculty evaluations and 1 : 1 debriefsQUALIFICATIONS
Experience : At least 2 summers of BEAM Discovery experience or 4 years in a leadership role in an educational or youth camp setting.
Teaching Experience : Proven ability to lead and mentor faculty, with a strong understanding of student-centered math instruction.Leadership Skills : Demonstrated experience in managing teams, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration among staff and faculty.Commitment to Equity : A passion for creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued, capable, and supported.Communication Skills : Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, faculty, students, and families.Problem-Solving : Ability to manage conflicts and make thoughtful, timely decisions in high-pressure situations.Organizational Skills : Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and logistical elements simultaneously.Math Proficiency : Solid understanding of ?? math concepts and the ability to guide faculty in the development of engaging curricula.Adaptability : Flexibility to adjust plans and approaches based on feedback, evolving needs, and challenges that arise during the program.Faculty, BEAM Summer Away
Picturing our classrooms
At BEAM, we strive to create classrooms where students take the lead in doing mathematics. Picture them working in huddles or independently, exploring patterns on the board, debating strategies, and justifying their reasoning to their peers. Our classes feature open-ended challenges that invite every student -no matter their background-to jump in, explore, and grow. Teachers guide the process, fostering persistence and helping students make sense of math through inquiry and productive struggle. By affirming students' strengths and identities, we empower them to see themselves as confident problem-solvers and mathematicians.
The type of math that you will teach
By content goals our classes can be classified as follows :
Topics :Pure Topics classes explore abstract concepts like graph theory, number theory, combinatorics, tessellations, symmetries and many more subjects. These classes focus on reasoning, proofs, and logical thinking, expanding students' understanding of what math can be.Applied Topics connect math to real-world contexts, such as programming, circuits, voting theory or data patterns. These classes show how math can be used to explain and solve practical problems, helping students see its relevance in everyday life.Problem SolvingStrategic Math Thinking classes teach students creative problem-solving strategies, using fun, puzzly problems often inspired by math contests. Students learn to apply techniques like case analysis and divisibility criteria, building confidence and adaptability in tackling challenges systematicallySolving Big Problems classes challenge students with complex problems that require deep thought and persistence. Students develop strategies like finding patterns, case analysis, and proof writing while building stamina and confidence in tackling unfamiliar and difficult tasks collaboratively. This is the only type of class that is semi-scripted with some specific problems we ask faculty to cover.About the role
We're looking for math and science educators who love math, enjoy working with middle schoolers, and are ready to dive into camp life. You'll design your own curriculum, helping students explore patterns, make conjectures, and justify their reasoning through hands-on, student-centered learning. Outside the classroom, you'll join students for meals, lead evening activities, go on field trips, and help build a supportive, fun community. You'll also collaborate with TAs, coaches, and fellow faculty to create meaningful lessons that reflect BEAM's engaging and challenging approach to math.
You will...
Design and teach engaging math courses for middle schoolers aligned with BEAM Summer Away offerings (described above). Continuously tailor and adapt your curriculum for the students in your classroom to deepen their engagement, curiosity, and understanding of the topic.Collaborate closely with teaching assistants, coaches, and other faculty in dedicated collaboration spaces, receiving support to help you succeed in lesson planning, problem-solving sessions, and creating engaging classroom experiences.Help maintain a positive camp environment by modeling and encouraging camp expectations and routines.Supporting student learning, growth, and love of mathematics by being an engaged member of the community during camp, including but not limited to :Supporting evening free time, independent study, relays, and other camp activities typically at least 5 days a weekEating meals with students and colleagues to support community building and fostering strong relationships between staff and studentsAttending some field trips (such as a hiking trip, field day, or day at Six Flags!)Attending staff meetings (typically 2-3 times a week) that include time for building community amongst summer staff, engaging in professional development, and aligning on upcoming prioritiesAttend pre-camp training and complete wrap-up sessions and feedback after camp.You have...
Course Design Experience : You create student-centered lessons where students take the lead, exploring, questioning, and justifying their reasoning. You know how to pull from your own collection of resources and adapt them to design lessons where middle schoolers can embrace productive struggle, collaboration, and inquiry, helping students grow as confident problem-solvers.Classroom Leadership Experience : At least 3 years of experience as the main instructor regularly leading a classroom (e.g., in schools, colleges, enrichment programs, math circles or other). You've created environments where students engage, persist, and grow as mathematicians.A Commitment to Equity : A dedication to creating curriculum and classrooms where all students, regardless of their background or prior experience, feel valued and capable. You believe in leveraging students' diverse strengths, identities, and perspectives to enrich the learning experience.Familiarity with and / or Excitement for Math / STEM Topics : A solid understanding of middle school math concepts and the topics you'll design for your classes. For non-applied math courses, you should have a clear understanding of mathematical proof. For applied math courses, you should understand the role of math in the course that you are designing.Growth Mindset : A reflective teaching practice and openness to feedback from your coach, TAs, and peers, with the ability to thoughtfully implement feedback as an opportunity to refine and enhance your teaching practice.Effective Communication : The ability to connect with students, colleagues, and the broader community in ways that foster understanding, collaboration, and support.Requirements...
Ability to work on-site in the city where the camp is located (NYC or LA). BEAM does not cover room and board for BEAM Discovery programs.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time. International graduate students able to obtain CPT or OPT are welcome to apply.Exceptional candidates will have...
A background in teaching enrichment math or science.Experience working with low-income students or from historically marginalized communities, including Title 1 schools.Physical Requirements...
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a seasonal employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role :
Frequent sitting, talking, walking, and listening and occasional bending, stooping, and pullingHandle and operate computers, tools or controlsOccasionally lift and / or move up to 25 poundsModerate noise levelWork in an indoor classroom environment that may not have air conditioning in the summerFor day camps : travel to and from campusFor residential roles - live in a dormitory at the campus in which the program takes placeReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
New York City Campus Details :
Locations : Uptown and Downtown
Program Dates :
Staff Dates : 30 workdays for Site Directors, 29 workdays for staff, plus 1 holidayLeadership Team Planning : June 30All Staff Pre-Camp Training : July 1-3 (with July 4 holiday)Camp Dates : July 7-August 7 (24 student days)Wrap-Up : August 8-11Commitment to Diversity
BEAM believes that our staff, at all levels and across all roles, should represent the backgrounds of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we strongly encourage applications from underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Compensation, Benefits and Other Details
Compensation
43.68 per hour for Pre-Camp work9,500 for Camp and Wrap-upWork Schedule
Staff Dates : 30 workdays for Site Directors, 29 workdays for staff, plus 1 holidayLeadership Team Planning : June 30All Staff Pre-Camp Training : July 1-3 (with July 4 holiday)Camp Dates : July 7-August 7 (24 student days)Wrap-Up : August 8-11Benefits
BEAM provides a number of benefits including :
Lunch and snacks, with options for dietary restrictions2-4 staff dinners during camp to relax, connect, and celebrate togetherHiring Process
We ask all applicants to submit an application, including their resume and answers to a few short questions. After reviewing your materials, we will contact you regarding next steps. We believe in the importance of demonstrated ability. Some applicants will proceed to an interview to allow our hiring team to learn more about their skills and experiences. We work hard to recognize the time you put into the process and we won't load you down with any unnecessary bureaucracy.
For accommodation requests related to the job application process, please contact HR at accommodations@beammath.org.
Salary : $44
